Five volunteers from Lough Swilly RNLI have celebrated a combined 120 years’ service to the charity that saves lives at sea.
They were recognised at an event held in the historic Harbour Commissioner’s Office in Belfast last Friday (5 June).
Long Service Awards are the RNLI’s way of recognising the dedication and commitment of its volunteers, and this year Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station has five crew members achieving long-standing milestones.
In her 20 years, Amy McCarter-Phillips has served as a crew member on the inshore D class and Atlantic lifeboats as well as being an all-weather lifeboat crew member and the station’s lifeboat training coordinator.
Eamonn Mahon, in his 30 years, has served as a helm on the station’s D class and Atlantic lifeboats as well as being a coxswain and navigator on the all-weather lifeboat. Over the years, Eamon has delivered casualty care in his lifeboat roles and has been part of the RNLI’s rapid response and flood rescue teams.
Gregory McDaid is also marking 30 years, having served as a D class and Atlantic helm and a coxswain, second mechanic and then full-time mechanic on the all-weather lifeboat. He too served on the flood rescue team.
Amy McCarter-Phillips receiving her 20 Year Service Badge from Paddy Murphy | Credit: RNLI/Lough Swilly
Joe Joyce, in his 20 years, has served as an inshore Atlantic and all-weather lifeboat crew member as well as delivering the lifeboat training coordinator, lifeboat press officer, launch authority and lifeboat operations manager roles.
Also celebrating 20 years is William Monaghan, who has been an Atlantic and all-weather lifeboat mechanic, tractor driver and mechanic as well as a head launcher.
Commending all five on their significant achievements, Liam Magee, Lough Swilly RNLI station president said: “The number and varied roles each volunteer has taken on and contributed to over their many years of service to the RNLI highlights their selfless dedication and willingness to saving lives at sea.
“They are all highly skilled and trained and have delivered so much over the years, not least in seeing Lough Swilly RNLI transition from an inshore to an all-weather lifeboat station.
“In addition, several crew members have supported the RNLI’s initiatives through the rapid response and flood rescue teams, providing service beyond Lough Swilly, all while representing the charity in a professional, respectful and loyal way.
“Behind every RNLI volunteer there’s a family who have a central role in supporting our lifesaving volunteers, and that’s something to be really proud of and acknowledge at events like these.”
